Rahmaan's 'Cultural Elements’ Blends Two Cultures Together; Reception Oct. 6
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Urban Playground is one of the works in Cultural Elements, on display now through Nov. 1, 2022, at The ARTSpace on Main, at 623 S. Main St. There will be a free, public reception for the exhibition from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, October 6, 2022,
Art Highlights Personal Experiences As An African-American Woman
Grown up Fresh is one of the works in Shakeelah Rahmaan’s Cultural Elements.
A new, pop-up exhibition at the ARTSpace on Main emphasizes components that contribute to and blend African American culture in the United States.
The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St., will host Cultural Elements by Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas (ASC) staff member and Little Rock-based artist Shakeelah Rahmaan. The exhibition is on display now through Nov. 1, 2022, in the Loft Gallery.
Rahmaan will be available for questions and conversation during a drop-in reception on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Cultural Elements features 16 paintings that depict a variety of staples from Rahmaan’s background representing her experiences and narrative, including hair, street ball, pop culture, and hip-hop.
The work was created to induce nostalgia that may be delightful or painful, Rahmaan says. “My identity stems from all the experiences in my life both good and bad and by all portions of my culture, heritage, and traditions.”
“I chose to depict African American culture because it is a part of who I am,” says Rahmaan. “I love my culture and I feel people share what they love through art, conversation, or action.”
Shakeelah Rahmaan, Black Girl Crown Series: Ashyia’s Natural Crown, alcohol ink and modeling past on canvas, 2022.
Rahmaan has been practicing art since she could hold a pencil. She focuses on mixed media and uses texture as a statement. In addition to her art, she has worked at ASC for three years, currently serving as the education programs manager.
“Representation in the arts is so incredibly important,” says Kayla Earnest, gallery assistant at The ARTSpace on Main. “It is exhibitions like this one that inspire future artists. Maybe some of the young ones who see their culture represented in this exhibition will someday have their own artwork hanging in our galleries.”
For more information about the exhibition, contact Earnest at kearnest@asc701.org or by calling 870-395-7009. Rahmaan can be reached at srahmaan@asc701.org or call 870-536-3375.
